Chicken enchilada soup is a flavorful and hearty dish, combining the familiar taste of enchiladas—shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, spices, and sometimes a creamy base—into a warm and comforting soup. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, family gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something savory with a bit of spice.
But what should you serve alongside this soup to create a complete and satisfying meal? In this guide, we’ll explore what to eat with chicken enchilada soup. We’ll cover side dishes, toppings, drinks, and even desserts that pair perfectly with it. By the end, you’ll have plenty of ideas to elevate your meal.
What is Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Before we dive into the pairings, let’s briefly explain chicken enchilada soup. It’s a soup that incorporates the main elements of chicken enchiladas—chicken, enchilada sauce, cheese, and spices—into a rich, satisfying soup. Some versions are creamy, made with cream cheese or heavy cream, while others are broth-based for a lighter feel.
This soup is typically topped with a variety of garnishes like sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, avocado, and cilantro. While it’s delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides and toppings can take the meal to a new level of flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Enchilada Soup
When selecting sides for chicken enchilada soup, it’s important to think about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some of the best options:
1. Tortilla Chips and Salsa
First of all, you can never go wrong with tortilla chips and salsa. The crunchy texture of the chips complements the creamy or brothy soup, while the salsa adds a refreshing burst of flavor. Plus, it’s an easy option to prepare and serve.
You can also serve different types of salsa with the chips:
- Salsa Verde: A tangy, green salsa made with tomatillos that pairs well with the flavors of the soup.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, perfect for a light, zesty taste.
- Roasted Tomato Salsa: This adds a smoky, deep flavor that contrasts nicely with the soup.
2. Mexican Rice
Another great side dish is Mexican rice, also known as arroz rojo. The rice, flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and onions, is a soft and mildly spiced option that balances the bold flavors of the soup. Additionally, the rice soaks up some of the soup, making each bite even more satisfying.
Alternatively, you can serve cilantro lime rice for a fresher, citrusy flavor. It’s a lighter option that still complements the tangy elements in the soup.
3. Cornbread or Mexican Cornbread
If you enjoy a sweet and savory combination, then cornbread is a perfect choice. The soft, crumbly texture contrasts with the soup, while its sweetness balances the spices. Even better, you can serve Mexican cornbread, which includes ingredients like jalapeños, corn kernels, and cheese. This adds a spicy kick that matches the soup’s flavors.
4. Quesadillas
For a fun and cheesy addition to your meal, quesadillas are a great match for chicken enchilada soup. You can fill the quesadillas with a variety of ingredients, including:
- Cheese: Simple cheese quesadillas offer a mild, creamy side.
- Chicken: For extra protein, serve chicken quesadillas. The chicken echoes the flavors of the soup.
- Vegetables: Vegetable quesadillas, filled with peppers, onions, and mushrooms, provide a lighter option.
Cut the quesadillas into smaller wedges to make them easy to dip in the soup or enjoy as a separate bite.
5. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
For a fresh and flavorful side, Mexican street corn (elote) is a delicious choice. The grilled corn on the cob is slathered with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese. Its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors perfectly balance the richness of the soup.
If you prefer a less messy version, you can try elote salad (also known as esquites), where the corn is served off the cob but mixed with the same flavorful ingredients.
6. Refried Beans or Black Beans
Refried beans or black beans are a classic side dish in Mexican cuisine. They pair wonderfully with chicken enchilada soup. The beans are creamy, savory, and a good source of fiber and protein, making them a nutritious addition to your meal.
You can also top the beans with a sprinkle of cheese or a spoonful of sour cream for extra flavor. Alternatively, a black bean salad with corn and cilantro offers a lighter, refreshing side.
7. Tostadas
Tostadas are crispy, flat tortillas that you can top with ingredients like refried beans, cheese, avocado, or sour cream. Their crunchy texture provides an exciting contrast to the soup, and you can easily break them up and use them as edible spoons to scoop up your soup.
8. Fried Plantains (Tostones)
If you want to try something different, consider serving fried plantains or tostones. These crispy, slightly sweet fried plantains are a popular side dish in Latin American cuisine. Their natural sweetness offers a pleasant contrast to the spicy, savory flavors of chicken enchilada soup.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can dip the plantains in salsa verde.
Delicious Toppings for Chicken Enchilada Soup
While side dishes play a crucial role in completing your meal, adding the right toppings to your chicken enchilada soup can elevate its flavors even further. Here are some of the best toppings to enhance your soup:
1. Shredded Cheese
Melted cheese is a must-have topping for chicken enchilada soup. Whether you choose cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or pepper jack, the gooey cheese adds richness and balances the spices in the soup.
2. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
Adding a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt gives the soup a creamy texture and a tangy flavor. This topping is especially helpful if you want to reduce the heat in a spicy soup.
3. Avocado
Slices of fresh avocado bring a creamy, rich texture to the soup, complementing the bold flavors. Plus, avocado provides healthy fats, which make the meal more satisfying.
4. Tortilla Strips or Crushed Tortilla Chips
For a satisfying crunch, sprinkle tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips on top of your soup. The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the soft, warm soup. You can also make your own tortilla strips by cutting corn tortillas into thin slices and baking or frying them.
5. Cilantro
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness and a herbal note to the soup. It also enhances the overall freshness of the dish, making it a great finishing touch.
6. Lime Wedges
A squeeze of fresh lime juice can lift the flavors of the soup by adding a citrusy tang. It’s an excellent way to balance the richness of the cheese and the spiciness of the enchilada sauce.
7. Pickled Jalapeños
If you’re a fan of heat, pickled jalapeños are a fantastic topping option. Their vinegary tang adds a nice bite that contrasts with the creaminess of the soup.
Best Drinks to Serve with Chicken Enchilada Soup
Choosing the right drink can complement the meal and enhance the flavors of your chicken enchilada soup. Here are a few great options:
1. Margaritas
A refreshing margarita is a classic pairing for Mexican-inspired meals. The citrusy and slightly sweet flavor balances out the heat of the soup. You can serve a traditional lime margarita or experiment with fruit flavors like mango or watermelon.
2. Agua Fresca
For a non-alcoholic option, agua fresca is a light, refreshing drink made from fruit, water, and a little sugar. Common flavors include watermelon, cucumber-lime, and hibiscus. It’s an ideal way to balance the richness and spice of the soup.
3. Beer
A cold Mexican beer like Corona, Modelo, or Pacifico pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of chicken enchilada soup. The crisp, light beer cuts through the richness of the dish without overpowering the flavors.
4. Horchata
Horchata is a sweet, creamy drink made from rice, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s perfect for cooling down after a spicy meal, and its sweet, comforting flavor provides a nice contrast to the soup.
Desserts to Serve After Chicken Enchilada Soup
No meal is complete without a delicious dessert. Here are a few Mexican-inspired desserts to serve after chicken enchilada soup:
1. Churros
Crispy churros dusted with cinnamon and sugar make for a delightful ending to your meal. Serve them with a side of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce for extra sweetness.
2. Flan
Flan is a smooth, caramel-flavored custard that’s rich and satisfying. It’s a great way to finish off the meal, providing a creamy contrast to the spiciness of the soup.
3. Tres Leches Cake
This light, spongy cake is soaked in three types of milk, creating a moist, sweet dessert. Its cool, creamy texture makes it a perfect follow-up to the bold flavors of the soup.
4. Mexican Wedding Cookies
For a lighter dessert, Mexican wedding cookies are a great choice. These soft, buttery cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, offering a sweet but simple finish to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup as a Main Dish?
Yes! Chicken enchilada soup is hearty enough to serve as a main dish. Pair it with a few sides like tortilla chips or quesadillas for a complete meal, and offer plenty of toppings to let everyone customize their bowl.
Is Chicken Enchilada Soup Spicy?
The spice level of chicken enchilada soup can vary depending on the enchilada sauce and chilies used in the recipe. If you prefer a milder soup, use mild enchilada sauce and omit any extra chilies. For more heat, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Conclusion
Chicken enchilada soup is a flavorful and versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, toppings, and drinks. Whether you’re serving it with classic tortilla chips, quesadillas, or more unique options like fried plantains, you can create a balanced, satisfying meal. Don’t forget to add plenty of toppings like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro, and finish the meal with a sweet treat like churros or flan.
For more inspiration, explore our Green Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe and learn how to elevate your meals with delicious sides and pairings!